2 comments about Behind the Urals;: An American worker in Russia's city of steel (Classics in Russian studies).

1. I had to read this book for my college history course in World History. The book gave good factual events from an American who had gone to Russia during the five year plan in Stalin's regime. This book is an autobiographical account of an American man's life and marriage in Russia, yet I did not enjoy the deep amount of factual literature that was implemented into the book, since the author did not let the reader become intimate with his personal life or feelings. I felt that this book was more of a textbook than a novel. However, I believe that professors will most likely assign this book for their students, especially for the topic of the five year plan, due to the amount of historical and factual content embedded into the story.



2. One of the best books ever written about the Soviet Union. This account of the construction of Magnitogorsk -- one of the largest and most ambitious industrial projects ever undertaken -- is deeply personal and moving. Yet, it also manages to communicate the idealism and revolutionary fervor that transformed the agricultural and technologically backward Soviet Union into a superpower.

2 comments about Kosmos: A Portrait of the Russian Space Age.

1. Having been a Soviet/Russian space enthusiast since childhood, I was naturally excited to learn that Princeton Architectural Press was publishing a photonovel entitled "KOSMOS - A Portrait of the Russian Space Age". This is a finely bound collection of 100 photographs taken by renowned photographer, Adam Bartos between June 1995 and April 1999 at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

   With great anticipation I opened the book, eager to see new images of Russian space hardware and launch sites. What I found between the covers was much, much more than I expected.

   With his keen photographic skills, Adam Bartos is not only able to take us into areas of the cosmodrome rarely seen by western observers, but into the hearts and souls of some of the key personalities which helped to shape the current climate of what was once the worlds greatest space industry. Through the eyes of the photographer you see rooms well worn with age now silent and barren, and faces whose stares echo ghost of the former Soviet Union. Image after image paints a portrait of contrast between the glorious aspirations of the Soviet future past and the dismal realities of the present day russian space program.

   Enhancing this somber collection of images is an essay written by Svetlana Boym, Professor of Slavic Languages at Harvard University, which poignantly illustrates the mood of the Russian people as radical political change made way to new realities.

   I highly recommend this book, not only to all Russian space enthusiast but also to anyone who has even the slightest interest in the changing climate of the Russian people and how it has affected their once dear space program.




2. As one involved with NASA in the heady days of years past, I had heard talk that Princeton Architectural Press planned to bring out a book of Adam Bartos' photographs of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and I have been looking forward to Kosmos for some time.

   Kosmos is a sad and poignant portrait--but, alas, an accurate one--of the decline of one of the great technological programs of human history. I don't believe that those who weren't alive at the time can appreciate the reaction of this nation to the launch of Sputnik and the other achievements of the Soviet space program nor can those outside of NASA appreciate the enthusiasm--and gravity--that characterized our efforts to catch the Soviets in the space race.

   Frankly, the faded glory shines through in many of the photographs, and, in the eyes of those caught in the photographs, one still sees glimpses of the spirit, albeit wounded, that drove their space program to its glories. However, in the post-Cold War era, pathos will be the most common reaction of the reader.

   The accompanying essay by Svetlana Boym of Harvard University, unlike those gratuitous essays in many photographic books, contributes to the Kosmos and brings some important insights to the reader unfamiliar with the Soviet program. It is beatifully written and is commended to the readers for their edification.

   All in all, after much anticipation, Kosmos exceeded my expectations and stirred a wave of memories. Congratulations to PAP for their achievement!

2 comments about Culture Shock!: Moscow At Your Door.

1. As far as entering a new culture, the culture shock series could not be better at helping one figure out the process. Learning about a city's history and people are so vital a part of fitting in upon arrival. Included are important ettiquette and manners advice, tips on everything from language to housing to eating and money. The cultural quiz at the end is a fun refresher, and the glossary of the Cyrillic alphabet and some common phrases was a nice additive (although it isn't even the tip of the tip of the iceberg that is the Russian language) and the Do's and Don't's Appendix was a nice quick-read.
   
   Not included is a glossed-over, romantic impression of Moscow, and how wonderful everything will be once one arrives. Everyhting is explained very honestly and with a nice bit of that dark Russian humor. It's not all cake and ice cream.
   
   All in all, a fun read and very helpful. For anyone, it's a nice primer on Russian history, Russian people, Russian language, and the city life of Moscow. One doesn't have to be planning a trip there to enjoy the trivia and jokes in this book!



2. I am very impressed by the depth and the breadth of knowledge that Paul and Maria possess about the country and people of Russia.
   This book is exceptionally accurate in every topic it touches. I have not seen a better translation of Russian jokes anywhere prior to reading this book. I would strongly recommend reading it before going to any Eastern European country for either business or pleasure.

5 comments about Lonely Planet Prague.

1. Lonely Planet Prague provided a great synopsis of the historical sites, with descriptions often better than those provided by our formal tour guides. The detailed information regarding transportation, costs, and hours were right on. Without the book we would have missed some off-the-beaten-path activities. Our only complaint was that some key restaurants were not included but this is the only area which I believe needs to be improved.



2. The Lonely Planet series was recommended to me, and the guide to Prague was the first one I purchased. The recommendation was right on, the guide's reputation is well deserved. Everything I needed to know is included, the places and restaurants were exactly as described, and the maps and walking tours were easy to follow.



3. Better than most books on Prague. In British dialect - so not always easy to understand.



4. I lived in Prague for a month and relied on this book if only for the maps. Of course, it was also quite helpful when it came to recommending English book stores! I've learned not to trust LP's judgment on food, but otherwise they're a handy source.



5. Great resource with great walking routes too (excellent directions!). When traveling I usually bring two, maybe three guide books. On this trip to Prague I brought two, and ended using this extensively, as the other book was found to be nothing more than extra weight to carry around the city.
   
   Highly recommend this book, plus one other (not fodor's). The only minus of this book was the metro map. But other than that this book is seriously dog eared, written in, and cherised as a great memoir of my trip to Prauge.

No comments about A Description of Ukraine (Harvard Series in Ukrainian Studies).

3 comments about Epic Rivalry: The Inside Story of the Soviet and American Space Race.

1. Overall, I thought this book was somewhat shallow, with little "meat" to fully engage the reader. It's an OK overview for someone who really didn't know much about rocket development/space programs from the 40's to the early 70's.
   
   I found the discussion of German rocket development during WWII the most interesting part, and learned a few things about the Russian space efforts that I hadn't heard before. The discussion of the US space program was fairly mundane. If you followed the news during that period of time you'll already know most of what's presented here.



2. This should be a good book, but disappoints in both the quantity and quality of its coverage of the great power rivalry for the dominance of space.
   
   It starts well, with an first-person account by Sergei Kruschchev of the first Sputniks. Kruschchev had a unique vantage point on the whole affair, as a technically knowledgeable person with an insider's pass on the political affairs of the Soviet Union. The first chapter or so, on the WW II German effort is worthwhile as well.
   
   From that point it deteriorates rapidly into superficial re-hashes of old news, poorly presented. I started working on an errata, but gave up after averaging one a page for twenty pages. Some are slipups on minor facts: page 159 map referring to "Kennedy Space Flight Center", or using the acronym "LEM", which was discarded in the early 60's, or saying that the Cape was scorpion infested. Some are bad editing, leading to incorrect statements: p. 249 "Mir, which remained in orbit between 1971 and 2001". Some are failures to globally edit, e.g. telling the tale of the renaming of Cape Canaveral twice. There's also a problem of scope: at times it can't decide if it wants to be about the 50s and 60s or today. This on top of being full of technical groaners too numerous to count, like constantly calling RP-1 "volatile" or completely missing the point on why Gemini used ejection seats rather than an escape tower.
   
   A single volume account of the most turbulent days of the space effort would be welcome; sadly, this isn't it. I wish I could even recommend it as an introduction, to be followed immediately by something more in-depth, but it's so full of inaccuracies I would be doing the reader a disservice. For the interested reader, "Apollo" by Murray and Cox, and "Red Star in Orbit" by James Oberg will readably take you through the two sides, are much more thorough and technically correct, and both rated 5 stars by hordes of readers. They will take you three times as long to read, but you will ultimately profit by not having to unlearn any thing later.



3. In a snapshot world with nano attention spans, Epic Rivalry manages to grab and hold on. The world in 1957 was on the seam between vacuum tube and microchip, between perceived American complacency and Russian Atomic tests that dropped Strontium 90 in milk bottles across the United States. Amid the tension and fear, two clumsy stumbling giants began the race that framed the future and shapes the world view of space to this day.
   
   Von Hardesty and Gene Eisman take you back to the origins, before Sputnik, through its launch in October of 1957 and into the arms of current space. With eloquence and discernment they bring to life the voices of the electrifying story from both sides of the Iron Curtain. There is magic in these pages because what you are hearing isn't competing specifications but rather the rise and fall of mutual dreams.
   
   Noah could have floated on the flood of space books currently available. Epic Rivalry is the place to dip your oar. It's the core of the whole story. If you are old enough to remember or young enough to wonder, Epic Rivalry is your book and Hardesty and Eisman your always illuminating guides.

1 comments about My Russia.

1. "My Russia" by Peter Ustinov is a book i enjoy going back to again and again.
   
   This book is in reality a "love story". Actor Peter Ustinov wrote this as an expression of his own personal love for the country of his heritage: Russia. And ever page radiates with the sense of that loving affection Ustinov had for this "magical land and mystical people".
   
   The book is beautifully designed and artistcally illustrated with photographs and drawings. a great "coffee table book' and conversation starter, but much much more than that, as Peter presents a wonderful history of "Holy Mother Russia" which lifts this book way above that level of fascination.
   
   If you want to learn a little about Russia . . . if you just enjoy that ambience (perhaps while sipping some hot "chai" with milk and honey) or if you are fan of the late actor Peter Ustinov (and his insightful while lighthearted wit and humor) you will love this book.
   
   So many books are published revealing "the loves" of famous celebrities . . . in this book, the late Peter Ustinov writes his own "tell all" about his love interest . . . his heritage . . . and it is a more than worthwhile read.
   
   Thank you Peter Ustinov, for all the many many years of great entertainment you created . . . your voice had the ability to create a myriad number of characters and impressions . . . and you kept us smiling . . . in this book you've let your own voice come to the fore . . . and we still smile. :)

2 comments about St. Petersburg.

1. Besides plenty of practical information (hotels, restaurants, etc), this book contains seven suggested walks in St. Petersburg. They range throughout the center of the city, Vasilievsky Island, the Smolny area and the outlying palaces (and full attention is given to five of them rather than just Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo as in most guidebooks). It also includes a walk in the Hermitage. These walks include good maps. Additionally, this book has excellent sections on the history of the city, customs and various subjects (the "mafia", icons, vodka, etc.) that provide context for your visit. The author is an excellent writer who, although she obviously loves the subject, presents a thorough picture.



2. St Petersburg is, generally, better covered than any other Northern European city in terms of travel writing: spectacular canals and buildings, relatively compact size, obvious highlights (including out-of-town estates) all make it a dream for any guidebook writer.

   Cadogan made a better job than most. The first thing you notice that the sheer quality of writing. You feel you a reading A BOOK, not an anonymous travel guide. In this sense, I felt that Cadogan beat the spectacularly good DK Eyewitness Guide (my other obvious recommendation for the city): where Eyewitness can be predictable and kind of flat, this book feels more in tune with subtle northern charms of St Petersburg.

   In fact, peculiarly romantic cities, where so much of the charm is difficult to capture and perceive logically, such as Venice or St Petersburg or Krakow, always present a challenge for any well-oiled travel publishing house. You cannot "crack" such a city using your standard procedures, you have to have a skilled writer and then - only then - build practicalities around the core understanding and feeling of the place. That is why there are so many guides to Venice and so few good ones.

   I think Cadogan managed to deal with this task in St Petersburg - hats off to Rose Baring who researched the subject well and gained a good insight into this least Russian of all Russian cities. The guide avoids generalizations and cheap jokes at the expense of the locals, at the same time it is honest and detailed and relevant.

   If you need more info on practicalities (although frankly I thought Cadogan was sufficient for that too), try Rough Guide (no inspired writing there I am afraid), who put all their effort into practical research.

No comments about Live & Work in Russia and Eastern Europe.

No comments about Living and Working Abroad in Moscow (Living & Working Abroad).